Requires the chief election officer to implement a voter education program designed to promote voter participation in elections. (SD1)

A BILL FOR AN ACT

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that citizen participation in elections is vital to the health and well-being of our democracy and representative form of government. When the citizenry opts out of their responsibility to vote, public confidence and support of government is undermined, as is government's effectiveness in serving the people of the State.

In 2004, Hawaii voters turned out in record numbers for the general election, reversing, at least temporarily, a steady three-decade decline in voter participation among eligible Hawaii voters. To build upon the momentum of the 2004 general election as well as combat voter apathy, community-based efforts aimed at increasing the percentage of voting age citizens who are actually registered to vote, educating voters on the candidates and questions on the ballot, and informing voters of their polling locations and methods of voting must be implemented.

The purpose of this Act is to require the chief election officer to conduct educational programs designed to increase voter registration and voter participation in elections. This Act also appropriates funds to assist the chief election officer in implementing this voter education program.

SECTION 2. Section 11-2, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (d) to read as follows:

"(d) The chief election officer shall [be responsible for public education with respect to voter registration and information.] establish a voter education program to promote voter participation in elections."

SECTION 3. The chief election officer shall report on its progress in establishing a voter registration and education program, including findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation, to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2006.

SECTION 4. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $300,000, or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2005-2006, for the chief election officer to administer and implement a statewide education program aimed at increasing voter registration and providing valuable information relating to voting to eligible voters in preparation for the 2006 election season.

SECTION 5. The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of accounting and general services for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 6. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 7. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2005.